Anti-microbial resistance and black and minority ethnic communities

Black and minority ethnic communities are more likely to be experience certain risks associated with drug-resistant infections. For example: Social and environmental factors such as living in poor and overcrowded housing (Heenali & Sharma, 2012), or areas with poor air quality. Prevalence of long-term conditions such as diabetes (Khardori et al, 2015). Broader barriers to accessing healthcare, such as immigration status ( What are the issues?

Evidence of poorer understanding of appropriate antibiotics use Evidence of poorer understanding of appropriate antibiotics use. Higher rates of some types of resistance in people born outside the UK. Returning travellers at a higher risk of multi-drug resistant strain carriage. Some evidence of the impact of diet on resistance. Costelloe, Lishman et al (2016) What is the evidence?

What actions can be taken? 1) Provide translated information in pharmacies and GP surgeries in areas where there are likely to be large numbers of people with English as a second language. Engage with pharmacists to distribute this information with prescription medication. 2) Work with community organisations to provide information and education on preventing, managing and treating infections, particularly in more recent migrant communities. 3) Revise clinical guidance on conditions and treatments that disproportionately affect black and minority ethnic people and bring a greater likelihood of AMR. 4) Revise travel advice so that people who travel to South and East Asia receive information on AMR. 5) Increase uptake of vaccinations in black and minority ethnic communities. What actions can be taken?